New evidence has arrived that Apple is working on an iPad mini 6. Given that the mini's design hasn't changed since the original in 2012, the bold new design could shake up the small tablet market.

The latest rumors come from Technordo, which claims to have gotten its hands on an aluminum mold for the mini 6. This mold is sometimes used by case makers to ensure a correct fit, and if accurate, this image would indicate a major redesign of Apple's smallest tablet.

Expect us to get a good look at the new iPad mini next month when Apple is expected to hold multiple launch events, but in the meantime what differences can you expect compared to the $399 iPad mini Apple is currently selling can you expect compared to the $399 iPad mini that Apple is currently selling. Here's what we currently know.

The changes shown in the video above confirm what has been previously teased elsewhere. According to multiple sources, the iPad mini 6 will continue Apple's recent trend of angular edges and will look like a scaled-down version of the 2021 iPad Pro. Notably, there will be no home button, and a fingerprint reader is said to be embedded in the power button, like the latest iPad Air.

This is a major change from the iPad mini 5, which returns to Apple's lineup in 2019 after a four-year absence. In terms of design, however, little has changed from the iPad mini 4, which first appeared in 2012 and featured large, rounded bezels.

The most exciting change for the iPad mini 6 is said to be a significant increase in screen size. Last year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the new iPad mini would have a screen size of 9 inches instead of 8.5 inches, but it has recently been reported that the final size will be 8.4 inches. Either way, this would be a significant size increase from the 7.9-inch display on the iPad mini 5.

While this may sound worrisome to fans of the iPad mini's small form factor, this increase in screen size will reportedly not actually affect the overall footprint of the device. Leaker Jon Prosser believes the iPad mini 6 will measure 206.3mm x 137.8mm x 6.1mm, which is only 3mm larger in height and width each than the existing model.

The iPad mini 5 uses the Apple A12 Bionic, also found in the iPhone XS series; it would not be surprising to hear that the iPad mini 6 will be upgraded in 2021. [But how much of an upgrade is up for debate. Some sources suggest that we won't see the rumored A15 chip in the iPhone 13 on the iPad mini 6, just disagreeing on how dated the chipset is. Jon Prosser believes it will match the iPhone 12 with the A14 Bionic chip, while Chinese tech site MyDrivers previously suggested the A13 in the iPhone 11 and SE.

But hope is eternal: one report claims that the iPad mini 5 will eventually match the iPhone 13.

Whether or not the chipset is modernized enough to your liking, Apple apparently offers significant improvements in terms of connectivity. According to Prosser, the iPad mini 6 will support 5G in its cellular version and will also follow the iPad Pro in switching from a Lightning port to USB-C and introducing a Smart Connector that will support a clip-on keyboard.

While the iPad mini 5 does not have these elements, it is worth noting that it is the first model to support the Apple Pencil. Expect the next model to double this with support for the second generation model.

There are still many gaps that need to be filled in the iPad mini 6, especially in terms of internal specs, and opinions are divided. But even if it only gets a modest internal upgrade, it will certainly be an improvement over the previous generation, which is becoming outdated at 2021.

I myself own an iPad mini 5, and when combined with the Apple Pencil and the wonderful Notability app, it's the perfect companion for event coverage. the features rumored to be coming to the iPad mini 6 look appealing to me. Even if the calendar of in-person live events still looks somewhat barren thanks to the ongoing pandemic.

Hopefully more details on the iPad mini 6 will be revealed soon. And with so many blanks yet to be filled in, this could be one of the more interesting releases Apple has up its sleeve this fall.